We encourage all members of the UCLA Law community to monitor UCLA's coronavirus page and Bruins Safe Online for updates and resources.
I know from experience how well UCLA takes care of its students. There are a huge amount of resources available and the professors are truly amazing. The professors have taken the time to make sure that all students are set up for success.
Natalie Dunn, Full-Time Student
Below are the projected tuition and fees to complete the program.
All fees are charged to students in mid-August and in mid-December.
Average tuition cost per year if completed over 3 years: $19,800
Optional 6 units (27-32) are TUITION FREE! $13,560 value.
Average tuition cost per semester: $29,800
Optional 6 units (27-32) are TUITION FREE! $13,560 value.
The tuition, fees, and charges posted to the student billing statement are estimates based on existing amounts. These figures may not be final. Actual tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change by the Regents of the University of California and could be affected by state funding reductions. Accordingly, final approved tuition and fee levels (and thus a student’s final balance due) may differ from the amounts shown.
Some or all instruction for all or part of the academic year may be delivered remotely. Tuition and fees have been set regardless of the method of instruction, and will not be refunded in the event instruction occurs remotely for any part of the academic year. Figures for tuition and fees represent currently approved or proposed amounts and may not be final. Actual tuition and fees are subject to change by the University of California as determined to be necessary or appropriate. Final approved tuition and fee levels may differ from the amounts presented.
I chose UCLA for the location, the types of courses that were offered, the faculty I’d be working with, and the opportunities that UCLA promotes. Having a legal degree will be very attractive to future employers and will open a number of doors in the competitive job market.
Sophia Maes, Full-Time Graduate, 2021
Partial scholarships are available to offset tuition costs.
The Bruin scholarship will be awarded to admitted students who demonstrate outstanding academic merit and/or professional accomplishment. There is no need to apply for this scholarship; all applicants will be considered automatically and recipients will be notified.
This scholarship is determined based on one or more of the following factors: 1) a demonstrated extraordinary financial need; or 2) personal circumstances that might warrant additional aid. An application is required (completed by uploading a statement when prompted during the application).
Full-Time leaders in the government or non-profit sector may apply. An application is required (completed by uploading a statement when prompted during the application). The statement must demonstrate: 1) a history of engagement in areas of public interest;
and 2) a commitment to achieving lasting change that transforms people’s lives through work in non-profit or government sectors.
Full-time UC or CSU career employees are guaranteed this scholarship. Note: This scholarship replaces the Bruin scholarship. This scholarship also replaces the UC tuition discount available for state-funded programs as the M.L.S. program is a self-supporting degree.
The Financial Aid Office can assist you with understanding and obtaining financial aid. Below, we have provided an explanation of each award, along with eligibility, application procedures and deadlines. Please contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@law.ucla.edu if you have any questions.
M.L.S. students are eligible to apply for student loans from the federal government to cover tuition and living expenses.
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a government form which enables the school to determine students' eligibility for federal loans (Direct Unsubsidized and Graduate PLUS). The FAFSA must be completed each year by all who wish to be considered for federal financial aid at UCLA.
Completing the FAFSA online reduces errors and improves turnaround time. You can do this by going to studentaid.gov. Request that a copy of the FAFSA be released to UCLA by indicating our school code: 001315.
The FAFSA should be submitted as early as possible upon admission to the Master of Legal Studies program.
William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan
The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan program enables qualified graduate and professional students to receive up to $20,500 in a federally guaranteed loan. For the 2021-22 academic year, the Direct Unsubsidized Loan has an interest rate of 5.28 percent and a loan fee of 1.057 percent for loans disbursed before October 1, 2021. The federal government will automatically deducted the loan fee from each disbursement; therefore, your original (gross) amount requested and the disbursed (net) amount will differ.
The student is responsible for the interest, which accrues immediately upon disbursement. Repayment begins six months after graduation or upon dropping below half-time enrollment.
All applicants must submit a FAFSA in order to be considered. Once the FAFSA has been processed and the data has been received by UCLA, the borrower will receive an electronic Financial Aid Notification (eFAN) indicating the types and the amounts of financial aid offered.
The U.S. Department of Education allows all eligible recipients to receive a lifetime amount of $138,500, including Undergraduate and Graduate Federal Loans. However, no more than $65,500 can come from the Federal Subsidized Loan.
Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan
Graduate and professional students are allowed to borrow through a Federal Direct Graduate PLUS (GPLUS) Loan. For the 2021-22 academic year; the GPLUS loan has an interest rate of 6.28 percent and a loan fee of 4.228 percent for loans disbursed before October 1, 2021. The federal government will automatically deduct the loan fee from each disbursement; therefore, your original (gross) amount requested and the disbursed (net) amount will differ.
The GPLUS Loan does not have annual or aggregate loan limits (other than the cost of attendance less other financial aid) but requires a credit review. Just as with the Direct Unsubsidized Loan, GPLUS borrowers are eligible for an in-school deferment if they are enrolled at least half-time. The GPLUS has the same payment options, the same deferments and forbearances, and the same cancellation provisions as a Direct Unsubsidized Loan. The student is responsible for the interest, which accrues immediately upon disbursement. Repayment begins six months after graduation or upon dropping below half-time enrollment.
All applicants must submit a FAFSA in order to be considered. Once the FAFSA has been processed and the data has been received by UCLA, the borrower will receive an electronic Financial Aid Notification (eFAN) indicating the types and the amounts of financial aid offered.
How is APR different than an interest rate?
In most cases, you have seen APR (Annual Percentage Rate) related to private loans, car loans and your credit card. What you are being charged for your loan isn’t actually just an interest rate; it’s really the APR. So, what is the APR?
The APR is the annual cost of your loan. It includes the interest rate and certain fees. In order to accurately compare the cost of loans, you should always compare the APRs rather than just the interest rates.
Entrance Counseling
Important! All first-time federal loan borrowers at UCLA need to be informed about borrowers’ rights and responsibilities. Law students will satisfy this requirement by completing an online Entrance Counseling Session. This can be accomplished by reviewing the counseling session materials and taking an online quiz. All quiz results are transmitted electronically to the UCLA Student Loan Services and Collections Office.
Please be sure to indicate "UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles" as your institution when registering your account to ensure that you are directed to the entrance exam.
Failure to follow through with this requirement will delay disbursement of your eligible Federal Direct Loan proceeds.
Credit-Based Private Loans
Federal student loans are available to most students regardless of income and provide a range of repayment options, including income-based repayment plans and loan forgiveness benefits, which other education loans are not required to provide.
Some students find it necessary to finance a portion of their education through private loan sources. These lenders offer loans to offset the cost of attending law school. The loan terms are printed directly on the application and also are governed by federal and state lending regulations. The choice of lender rests solely with the student, but he/she will need to meet the lender’s credit requirements. Please see UCLA's Preferred Lender List and Code of Conduct – Preferred Lenders.
Students may enroll in the BruinPay Plan to pay tuition and fees in four monthly installments at the start of each semester. See here for more information about the BruinPay Plan.
Any class drops or withdrawals must be made by 10:00 am Pacific on the following dates to receive the corresponding percentage of refund.
| Date | Refund % |
| Prior to August 27, 2021 – 10:00 am | 100% |
| Prior to September 20, 2021 – 10:00 am | 50% |
| After September 20, 2021 @ 10 am PT | 0% |
Any class drops or withdrawals must be made by 10:00 am Pacific on the following dates to receive the corresponding percentage of refund.
| Date | Refund % |
| Prior to January 24, 2022 – 10:00 am | 100% |
| Prior to February 15, 2022 – 10:00 am | 50% |
| After February 15, 2022 @ 10 am PT | 0% |
Any class drops or withdrawals must be made by 10:00 am Pacific on the following dates to receive the corresponding percentage of refund.
| Date | Refund % |
| Prior to January 29, 2021 – 10:00 am | 100% |
| Prior to February 19, 2021 – 10:00 am | 50% |
| After February 19, 2021 @ 10 am PT | 0% |
